Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated the need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue through dialogue between India and Pakistan, keeping in mind the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. During his two-day visit to Pakistan, Erdogan made these remarks after extensively discussing them with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Both presidents oversaw the signing of 24 agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding in a number of areas, including trade, defense, education, and health, visiting a landmark in Pakistan-Turkey ties. Erdogan said, “Our state and nation stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today, just as we have in the past,” during a joint news conference, reinforcing Turkiye’s longstanding support for the region.
Since August 5, 2019, when India repealed Article 370, eliminating Jammu and Kashmir’s unique status and dividing it into two Union Territories, tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high. India has always insisted that Jammu & Kashmir is an essential component of the nation.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high since August 5, 2019, when India revoked Article 370, removing Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and restructuring it into two Union Territories. India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir are an integral part of the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Erdogan, calling him a respected leader of the Islamic world. He expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s unwavering support during times of crisis, including natural disasters. The Turkish president’s visit was marked by a grand welcome, including a formal ceremony, a guard of honour, and an F-16 fly-past at the Prime Minister’s House.
Alongside Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan also met with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and planted a seedling, signifying the two countries’ long-standing relationship.
